JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages drivers to be cautious on the roads this spring and give turtles a brake! These reptiles are often hit by cars during the warmer months, but are at special risk this time of year because they are more active.
Common turtles spotted crossing Missouri roads include three-toed box turtles, ornate box turtles, and snapping turtles.
Turtles emerge from their burrows and begin the hunt for food and mates during warm and wet conditions, which can lead them to cross roadways, oftentimes resulting in their death. Thousands of box turtles are killed every year by vehicles.
Young males make up most of the travelers, sometimes wandering as many as six miles searching for territories and mates. Females are also crossing the roads in search of nesting areas.
Turtles are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, and depend on external sources of heat to determine their body temperatures. This is why people see them on warm asphalt during cool, spring days.
Vehicles are one of the leading threats box turtles face in Missouri, and MDC urges motorists to be cautious and slow down if they see a turtle in the road. If helping a turtle make it safely across, check for traffic and always move the turtle in the direction it is traveling.
Additionally, MDC urges the public to leave turtles in the wild. Taking a wild animal, whether a turtle or other wildlife species, and keeping it as a pet normally ends in a slow death. Leave turtles in the wild, follow the speed limit, and keep your eyes on the road.
For more information on Missouri’s turtles, visit the MDC online Field Guide at https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/search/turtle.
